On the Water
3 hours
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this reservation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Recommended by 96% of travelers
96% of reviewers gave this product a bubble rating of 4 or higher.
from
$150
per adult
Offshore Blue Adventures Whale & Dolphin Tours
Offshore Blue Adventures Whale & Dolphin Tours
Offshore Blue Adventures Whale & Dolphin Tours
5
8:30 AM - 11:30 AM, 12:00 PM - 3:00 PM, 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Monday
8:30 AM - 11:30 PM
Tuesday
8:30 AM - 11:30 AM
12:00 PM - 3:00 PM
4:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Wednesday
8:30 AM - 11:30 AM
12:00 PM - 3:00 PM
4:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Thursday
8:30 AM - 11:30 AM
12:00 PM - 3:00 PM
4:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Friday
8:30 AM - 11:00 AM
12:00 PM - 3:00 PM
4:30 PM - 7:00 PM
Saturday
8:30 AM - 11:00 AM
12:00 PM - 3:00 PM
4:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Sunday
8:30 AM - 11:00 AM
12:00 PM - 3:00 PM
4:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Full view
About
San Diego whale watching at its finest. With a maximum of six passengers, everyone gets a front row seat. Our fast expedition style boat gets you out to the whales before the crowds arrive, and we can stay longer. Winter whale watching from December through April we see the great migration of the Pacific Gray whales. Over 20,000 of these beautiful animals swim past our coast each winter, on their way to Mexico & then back up to their summer feeding grounds in Alaska. Spring and Summer bring the magnificent Blue Whales to our waters. These are the largest of the whales, and are truly a wonder to see! Fin whales and Humpbacks are also seen as well as our ever friendly dolphins. This is your charter, your way!
San Diego, California
Meets animal welfare guidelines
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
169 reviews
Excellent
160
Very good
3
Average
4
Poor
2
Terrible
0
Heather F
Goodyear, AZ2 contributions
May 2020 • Family
Our family was the first tour Offshore Blue has done since reopening after the COVID-19 closure. They were great about taking precautions to keep us and their staff safe. No worries there, if you have concerns... As for the tour- it was amazing! The captain, Christine, had abundant knowledge of the San Diego area and the ocean around it. Also-she educated us about all the wildlife we encountered and answered our questions. We saw 3 different pods of common dolphins and so many baby dolphins! The boat for the tour is small and we were able to get right in the middle of the pod and watch the dolphins play with the boat wake. They were curious and friendly and it was an experience like none other! We also saw sea lions and many brown pelicans and terns. Due to the stronger than normal red tide, we didn’t see any of the larger whales this time, as they are keeping further out to sea, but all the dolphins made up for it. We can’t wait to go back and visit Christine and the Pacific Ocean again to see more dolphins and some even larger cetaceans!
Written May 23, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Anja M
Stockholm, Sweden11 contributions
Jan 2020 • Couples
We had an absolutely wonderful afternoon on the ocean together with captain Christine. We saw three California grey whales which was a dream of mine since I have never seen grey whales. And on our way back we found ourselves in the middle of hundreds of pacific white-sided dolphins showing off and swimming under and beside the boat. Christine had contact with other boats and got a message that close by there was a pod of hundreds of common dolphins. So only a few minutes apart we were surrounded by two different species of dolphins. Incredible! It was very interesting to watch the behavior of the hunting dolphins. First they were sort of playing, surfing the bow of the other boat, then suddenly the all went into hunting mode and speeded up and it was as if the whole ocean was boiling. Memories for a lifetime! The whole experience felt really special also because we were in such a small boat with only two other people. We got so close to the water and the dolphins when they came up to the boat, and almost felt like we had our own private show.
Written January 3, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We are so happy that your experience was all that you expected! Thank you for your review, and we hope to see you again in the future!
Written January 4, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Emily G
16 contributions
Jan 2020 • Couples
We are so glad we chose to go with a smaller more personalized experience. We got to see SO many dolphin and Californian sea lions, we were so close we could have reached out to touch them; it was a magical time! We also had a few glimpses of a whale or rather her tail and the weather was perfect. Captain Christine was fun, easy going, and full of information.
We would highly recommend it for those that want to get a closer, more unique experience to the marine life.
We would highly recommend it for those that want to get a closer, more unique experience to the marine life.
Written January 24, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Leighanne C
33 contributions
Jan 2020 • Solo
My fifth boat and attempt for whales and Captain Christine did not disappoint. She is knowledgeable about the sea life and area and obviously loves what she does. She kept in constant contact with other captains for more sightings after seeing our first grey whales. The winter dolphins are beautiful and playful. I know you can go way north of San Diego for whale watching (that would be a separate trip entirely) but I have never seen so much or anything leaving from San Diego. You will not be disappointed. Wear waterproof shoes or bring an extra pair but mine didn’t get wet on this small boat. Thank you for the mesmerizing and amazing experience!!!
Written January 19, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ruth S
2 contributions
Jul 2020
This was a fabulous experience! The highlight of our trip to the area for my two kids (8 and 13) and I. Great COVID safety precautions and the tour itself was awesome. The captain, Christine, has tremendous experience and knowledge and we say hundreds of dolphins (baby dolphins and their families!!) The boat for the tour is perfectly sized to take you out far, 'hunt' for the pods and get right in the middle of the pod and watch the dolphins play! We also saw sea lions and pelicans and terns. Highly recommended experience.
Written July 30, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
maria
1 contribution
May 2020
We went out with Christine and had a wonderful time. We rode the waves with about 1000 dolphins and saw a humpback whale during its feeding time. I highly recommend this company. The manager and tour guide were very helpful and knowledgeable. Just what we needed after the COVID quarantine.
Written May 26, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bob B
Eau Claire, Wisconsin, United States5 contributions
Apr 2023 • Family
This was amazing! My screw up with times was handled so well, and our tour was amazing. Our tour wasn't rushed, and our captain worked so hard to get us a great experience. Early in the season, so not a lot of whales, but we sped off to hang with a pod of dolphins for what seemed like forever. I am so glad we picked here and had a smaller boat with a more personal experience. We saw bigger boats for lesser cost, but I'm telling you, being able to talk with your captain and discuss the ocean and the little things you see, not to mention travel tips if you're heading out of town. I could go on and on, but please please please, book this tour.
Written April 22, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Really glad you made it to go whale watching with us; and thank you for your kind words. Hope to see you again soon!
Written June 23, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Ray
Sherwood, AR1 contribution
Mar 2021 • Family
Honestly the tour should be called a dolphin tour, as we did see plenty of dolphins. We learned the hard way, however, they rarely see whales.
I have negatively reviewed very few things in my life but felt strongly this was not professionally ran (captain was rude and somewhat abrasive to my family start to finish).
On a positive note, I’ve been on large, group boats for, “as advertised”, dolphin tours and the small boat is a much more up-close and personal experience. We were able to ride the waves, with the dolphins, and were even over-sprayed on occasion by close encounters.
OffShore Blue should teach their captain’s manners and local tours should advertise whale spotting as a rare bonus.
I have negatively reviewed very few things in my life but felt strongly this was not professionally ran (captain was rude and somewhat abrasive to my family start to finish).
On a positive note, I’ve been on large, group boats for, “as advertised”, dolphin tours and the small boat is a much more up-close and personal experience. We were able to ride the waves, with the dolphins, and were even over-sprayed on occasion by close encounters.
OffShore Blue should teach their captain’s manners and local tours should advertise whale spotting as a rare bonus.
Written March 26, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lewis Ershler
1 contribution
Aug 2022 • Couples
We had the best time. Captain Jamie. put us right on a whale! We saw lots of porpoises too.
CiCi is very pleasant and accommodating. Their smaller boat makes for a very intimate experience. The porpoise s played within arms length of the boat right your level. Couldn’t recommend Offshore more highly. Go with them and you won’t be disappointed.
CiCi is very pleasant and accommodating. Their smaller boat makes for a very intimate experience. The porpoise s played within arms length of the boat right your level. Couldn’t recommend Offshore more highly. Go with them and you won’t be disappointed.
Written August 26, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SueBuenosAires
North Miami Beach, FL399 contributions
Feb 2024 • Family
Whale watching great experience!!!!
I booked a personalized tour.
My two grandchildren and my daughter. We were four with our captain Jules.
She went out of her way to get us the opportunity to watch a fantastic whale and a group of playful dolphins as well.
We had a fantastic time!
Highly recommended!!!
I booked a personalized tour.
My two grandchildren and my daughter. We were four with our captain Jules.
She went out of her way to get us the opportunity to watch a fantastic whale and a group of playful dolphins as well.
We had a fantastic time!
Highly recommended!!!
Written February 5, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I am planning a trip in early May. (Most likely would have time for a whale watch on May 7 or 9), but I see the season ends in April. If we go at that time, do we still have a good chance of seeing whales?
Written March 28, 2019
Good Morning. Thank you for your inquiry. April is typically the end of our grey whale season, however, we do "start" to see fin whales and other larger whales that also begin to migrate north during the month of May. While there is no guarantee they will be here, as they say in the Lottery business, "You can't win it if your not in it!". Also, we also have year round dolphins that are super boat friendly and love to play with the boats.
I hope this helps you, and we will see you in May!
CiCi Sayer
Written March 31, 2019
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*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.